\ PS 3545 

. 15296 
M5 
1916 
Copy 1 



THE 



Mighty War God 

and the 

Angel Love 




By JOHN TYLER WILLIAMS 



7 




— 

Class t c 

Book W//£ 

Copyright N° . 

CJDEXRIGHT DEPOSffi 



THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 
AND THE ANGEL LOVE 




John T. Williams, A.B. 



The Mighty War God 
and the Angel Love 

A Tragedy in Five Acts 

By 

JOHN TYLER WILLIAMS, A. B. 




BOSTON : 
The Stratford Co. Publishers 



BB-s^^asa^^a 



Copyright, 1916, by The Stratford Co., Publishers 
All Rights Reserved 



J 






I: 

JAN -2 1917 



The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass. 

©CLA453414 



^ 



Dedicated to 
My Father 



FOREWORD 

This is a new and unique drama, depicting the hor- 
rors of war and the struggles within the minds of men 
engaged in a great strife. l ' The Mighty War God and 
the Angel Love" reveals which of these two powers, 
love or war, is the greater. The two superhuman 
characters are carried through five acts, together with 
the horde of " mites" which God has placed upon this 
earth and given the name of man. 

The War God has proved that he is even more pow- 
erful than Satan. But man awakens, eventually, with 
the assistance of the Angel Love who understands true 
Nature and who does not try "to distort the works 
of God." At the close of the play, justice is meted out 
to all, and a new era begins. 

Those who have seen or heard about Ince's wonder- 
ful motion picture drama "Civilization" realize how 
tremendous is the effect for good in a piece of propa- 
ganda that is at the same time a masterpiece of pure 
art. Such a work is THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 
AND THE ANGEL LOVE. It is a book you will 
read and re-read and urge your friends to read, for it 
is that rarest of rare combinations, — A BOOK OF 
ART WITH A GENUINE MESSAGE. 

The Editor. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



THE WAR GOD 

Two diplomats — puppets to the War God 

Two generals, commanders of the opposing forces 

An Emperor 

Two mutinous officers 

Another officer 

THE ANGEL LOVE 

A young sweetheart 

A middle-aged wife, with babe 

An old woman 

Four grand-children 

A Queen 

A Jester 

An Editor 

A Page 

Satan 

Soldiers, buglers, attendants, escorts, etc. 



Assistants to 
the Angel Love 



The Mighty War God and 
the Angel Love 



Satan 

0, blind and innocent earth, green velvet sward, 
Spread out as for a playground of the nymphs, 
Prepare for ruin ! The cursed hand has swayed ; 
And under it weak man has, lilylike, 
Bent into its seducing wake. Now here, 
Now there, he follows meekly as a lamb. 

Prepare for ruin! . . . For soon you are to be 
The huge receptacle of misery 
And death. On either hand a horde of men 
Await ; and when the proper signal's given, 
They both will rush and run to meet each other. 
In friendly greeting? Ah! Mid cannon's roar, 
With bayonets fixed, and glaring, crazed eyes, 
Will man rush man, and each rip ope' the other ! 
In horrible melange of oaths and jabs, 
And shrieks and death, the being civilized 
Will show to full perfection his weak nature. 
The cursed hand of War has drawn him to it, 
And reasoning is given to the sword. 

But curse not me, the Devil, for this plight. 
My powers do not reach as far as this. 
I've caused much misery, t'is true; but then, 

(ii) 



12 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

My numbers have been fewer at a time. 
.Outclassed by one who plays with mighty millions, 
I must resign and leave this hell to him. 
The mighty War God now does rule this land 
And all the beings on it : I am done. 

Here will be hell played on a mammoth scale : 
Where not a few men, but a million wail. 
And from the scenes that follow I retire, 
To get in readiness a roaring fire! 

Exit. 

CURTAIN 



And God beheld the earth, His work of ages : 
Saw nought but Nature foaming at the mouth. 



(13) 



ACT I. 

Scene I. A battle-ground. Hand-to-hand engage- 
ment taking place. 



A Soldier, 
Take that! 

Another, 
And that! 

Another 
Die, Devil, there! 

Another 

Oh, God! 

Another, 
You ask His aid too late. 

Another 

Now bite the dust! 

Another 

The Devil take us all! 

(15) 



16 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Another 

He has us now, 
And in this hell our vengeance is appeased. 

Two officers only remain standing. They clash. 

Officer 
The victory devolves on us, it seems. 

Other 

I fight for more than victory alone. 
The sense of honor 

Officer 

Bah! Speak not of that. 
You get no honor here where men lie dead 
Pierced by your sabre's thrust. A sounder reason 
Should be your cause to kill at such a time. 

Other 

And one I have: I now defend my life. 

My youth and strength I would not lightly give 

To God so soon. 

They cease fighting. 

Officer 

Of that dispel your fears. 
A life in terms of years is never reckoned. 
A moment only will suffice on earth 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 17 

To spell a life ; and he who has but few 
Of those existing moments may rejoice 
That he has 'scaped a world of durance vile. 

Other 

The world's not vile! And I will not consent 
To take your version of it. I'll enjoy 
To live my life, brimful of hope and pride. 
My sweetheart, too, will aid me to success. 

Officer 

Aha ! In love, I see. There lies your strength. 

'Tis that which gives you all this energy. 

But what, then, must you think of me? My wife, 

And children four do all depend on me. 

My strength must now be four-fold that of thine. 

Your lives dependent are but nought, with mine. 

Other 

Casting down his sword. 

Then kill me if you will ! There lies my steel. 
I'll cause no babe to starve, I pledge my word. 
Nor will I murder longer: I am done! 

Enter a General, unnoticed. 

Officer, 

Nay, far from that. Your course is but commenced. 
My sword could never through your body run, 



18 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Just for the sake of seeing red blood flow. 
Your life is spared, as you did spare my own : 
My sword in war's grim treasury I cast ! 

Casts sword away. 

General 

How now, this farce; when man will lose his brain, 
And talk of sparing lives — knee deep in dead?! 
What say you, officer? 

Officer 

A ray of light 
Has shed itself on me since I have met 
This officer who understands true life. 
And now I'm not so clamorous to fight. 
I sicken at the sight of death and gore. 

General 

What's that? You talk as one who's lost his mind! 
Get back to camp, and take your captive with you. 
A ray of light ! The sight of death and gore ! 

Officer 
To other officer. 
I think our task of murdering is done. 
They exit. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 19 

Enter another General, on the other side. 

1st General 

Hello, comrade ! You gave us quite a fight : 
But we revealed who had the hand of pow'r. 

2nd General 

Oh well, my friend, the war is but begun; 
And all these skirmishes are only play. 
Our men would restless be, if they could not 
Partake of this which gives them exercise. 
And in the future will a time arrive 
When brains will count for victory — not men. 

1st General 

And you would be, according to your word, 
That man of brains. The thought's ridiculous ! 
I am the brains infused in this great war; 
For strategy was bred right in my life. 

2nd General 

You've said enough. You're nothing but a brag. 

A useless tail upon humanity. 

Draw forth your sword from out its rusty scabbard! 

1st General 
Well said ! We now will see who is the better. 

They draw swords. 
You fight a champion. 



20 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

2nd General 

An easy task. 

They cross swords. 

1st General 
The rule is that — 

2nd General 

No quarter will we ask. 

1st General 
I foiled an officer this very day. 

2nd General 
I take two at a time. 'Tis only fun. 

Thunder in distance. They cease fighting. 
1st General 
Hark! 

More thunder. 

'tis the mighty God of War! Make way 
They separate. 
For him who gives to us our fighting spirit! 
Exit. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 21 

2nd General 

How fortunate that he returns to-day, 
To view this scene of glory, most sublime! 

Exit. 

Enter War God. 

War God 

Qh, home, how dear you are to me once more ! 
Awaiting, as you were, with outstretched arms, 
Your prodigal. Again I have returned. 
For this display my heart has longed for years. 
My great endeavors have at last succeeded, 
And from the soil is pulled, both branch and root, 
The mighty tree of peace! We may rejoice 
That on the earth the War God reigns supreme! 
What food you offer to my hungry eyes ! 
The soul that languishes — the one in death! 
I long have thirsted for this wholesome draught : 
Sweet scene of misery and death ! What bliss ! 

A soldier groans. 

And music for my ears ! You withhold naught 
To feed my being with an added power. 
My spirit wakens in this land of war; 
And with it comes a brand new lease of life! 

But, I've progressed as far as I can go. 
It seems that I cannot embroil the whole 
Of this great sphere; but only part of it. 
I must be ever present, here and there, 



22 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

To make my men fight well. It is too much. 
I worry when my powers prove so small. 

Enter two Diplomats. 

My diplomats. I wonder what they want. 

1st Diplomat 
Aha ! Most worthy War God, at your service. 

2nd Diplomat 
And I, 0, mighty sovereign. 

1st Diplomat 

What is wrong? 

War God 

Could I complain of this success and say 

That there is wrong? Ah, no! 'Tis nearly right. 

I revel in the sight before my eyes. 

But e'en with this much done, there seems to be 

A weighty problem hanging on my mind, 

And I am not completely satisfied. 

1st Diplomat 
Are we not working hard enough, my Lord? 

2nd Diplomat 
Do not enough men die each day for you? 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 23 

War God 

Ah, yes, you serve me well, and bring success : 
But even with success a worry grows. 
My greed is like that of the common folk, 
And though I have one-half of all this earth 
At war, I hunger for the other half. 
A God of War should have no need of help 
To bring to pass that mentioned masterpiece; 
But still it happens that, like common folk, 
A helper must assist me in my work. 



1st Diplomat 
A helper I 

War God 
Yes. A son, with nerve of steel! 

2nd Diplomat 
But how could such condition come to pass? 

War God 

There is but one successful way to do it. 

A mate I'll take unto myself, and she 

Will cause my wish to be fulfilled. A son, 

With fighting red-hot blood! Then when the earth 

Is boiling in one place he will take charge 

Of it : and I'll then go to other lands, 

Inciting every nation, every race. 



24 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

1st Diplomat 

A noble plan, and very well conceived ; 
'Twould seem to me, however, quite a task. 



War God 

A simple matter. Love can always spring 
Between two souls, no matter how they differ. 
When once I'll see the mate to do my bidding, 
I will let love transform us into one ; 
And I, the stronger soul, will voice the trend 
Of all affairs. 



2nd Diplomat 

But what about our work ' 
Must all this glory cease now for a spell? 

War God 

No more than you would care to end your life. 
This glory gives us life, so do not cease. 
Continue dealing death, decay and ruin; 
But do it on a larger scale. The work's 
Now small, but you will see what time will bring. 
Talk to your generals and emperors 
With chosen words, their anger to prolong. 
Keep to your task with never-ending zeal ; 
And do not stop the work a single day ! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 25 

2nd Diplomat 

We'll do your bidding. Also may you prosper 
In the new venture which you undertake. 



Exit diplomats. 



War God 



Tear not, weak minds, that I will ever fail ; 
For with success like this to feed upon, 
My greatness does increase a hundred fold, 
And will continue 'til the earth is cold. 
I now will go to seek a willing mate, 
And then the son, to share with me his fate. 

CURTAIN 

Scene II. Evening mess in camp. 

A Soldier 
This fighting gives a man an appetite. 

Another 

You bet! We're hungry first for blood, and then 
For food. 

Another 

I got my share of blood to-day. 
At least ten men got in my bayonet's way : 
And as I'd run them through, they'd grasp their hearts 
And yell an oath; enough to make one sick. 



26 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Another 

They say a bayonet stings when it goes through. 

I stopped to drink to-day, and, as I paused, 

A soldier, wounded unto death, cried out, 

"For God's sake, man, go back ! It's hell ! If you 

Can keep from getting jabbed, be sure to do it." 

And then he rolled, and I did see his back, 

A mat of blood. I left him groaning there. 

Another 
Then did you sicken at the sight and run? 

Reply 

I did not dare. With hundreds of our men 
Already down, and victory needing me, 
I rushed ahead, and tried to kill the more! 

Another 

A Devil's game is this. But since we're here, 
We've got to do our duty. 

Another 

Or get done. 

All 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Another 

And did you notice how the bullets rained? 
They shrieked like crazy crickets whizzing past ! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 27 

Another, who has a wound on temple. 

My comrades on both right and left were hit. 
They fell in heaps beside me as I ran, 
And I obtained this wound. 



Another 

A lucky dog! 

Another 

Yes, lucky for a day ; but on the morrow 
A worse fate may be his. 

Another 

Aw, pessimist! 
I don't see why you came to war at all. 

Another 
To cast a gloom on us. 

Reply 

Oh, no, not that: 
I wanted to eat hardtack and drink soup. 

Another 

You'd better drink the blood of enemies, 
And eat the hardtack that you rob from them ! 



28 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Another 

Be still ! Here comes a general and staff. 

Enter a general and aides, with the two mutinous 
officers. 

General 

Attention, men! Here are two officers, 

Who, having lost their minds, refuse to fight : 

And I do bring them here to have their trial. 

Among true men of steel I bring these hounds, 

Our officer, and, there, his prisoner. 

It happ'd that on a most important spot, 

These two men clashed. Their men had all been killed. 

A victory there for us was imminent, 

Had these men fought like soldiers, and not babes. 

But they began to prattle 'bout themselves, 

And talk of getting sick of death and gore. 

Then were their swords thrown down upon the ground, 

And, I believe, they would have kissed each other, 

Had I not chanced to see them when I did. 

Thus, have I brought them here for proper judgment : 

To you, who are real fighters through and through, 

I offer up these men. What say you, first? 

A Soldier 

If they are now unfit to fight, they should 
Be killed, your Honor. 

Another 
I would the same for them. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 29 

Another 

I think the guard-house is a splendid place 
For such as they. They may recover later. 

Another 

Most noble general, I would not waste 

These men by peaceful death. They're still of use. 

It would be fun to see two cowards charge 

Alone across a field, in face of death. 

So, I would keep them 'til we fight again, 

And send them on ahead to meet the foe. 

Then could th' entire army see the fun, 

And watch them sink to earth. 

All 

Hurrah! Hurrah! 

General 

That meets with much approval, and 'tis good. 

To-morrow will we storm a fortress strong, 

And you will lead the charge, through fire and shell. 

The one with flag, the other with a sword. 

Far in advance of us we'll start you off, 

And see how far you'll go before you cast 

Your weapons down again ! 

All 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 



30 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

General, to aides. 

Conduct these cowards to the guard-house now, 
And feed them well, for their last meal on earth. 

Exit aides with officers. 

You braves may now break ranks and get your rest; 
For on the morrow comes another test. 

Exit. 

A Soldier 
A little game of cards before that rest. 

Another 
Let's make it big, for this may be the last. 

Another 
Who starts the deal to-night? 

Another 

It's up to Jack. 

Another 
But he's not here. What's up? Is he transferred? 

Another 

Shot through the head to-day. I saw him fall. 
He plays to-night in Hell. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 31 

All 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Another 
This may be my last night at shuffling cards. 

Another 
Then do it well, so we'll remember you. 

All 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Enter War God, unobserved. 

War God 

A jolly bunch of men, these servants mine! 
They play this game of death as if no chance 
Were run at all. A life is nought to them. 
Their trump at cards is death, and happy when 
In drawing, they can get a good, full hand! 
No dismal thoughts of worldly things can now 
Creep in to mar the pleasure of their lives. 
Into another world they have been led, 
And free to feast on Nature as she is. 
Each man is civilized — Ha ! Ha ! — but still 
Content to do me homage when I call: 
Which proves that through all ages past, the world 
Has changed but little. Still the power's mine ! 
All nations, every man, must answer to 



32 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

My call ! I dread the wait ; for it will take 
Some years to rear a helper to direct 
The legions that I will send forth to war! 

Angel Love appears to War God. 

What now?! 

Is this an Angel flitted down from Heaven? 
An Angel, who in flight has lost her way, 
And drops again to earth ? How beautiful ! 
Fair one, how happ'd it that you should alight 
In such a place as this? You must be lost; 
And, tired, you fling yourself down here to rest. 
What is your name? 

Angel Love 

My name it matters not; 
Nor am I lost or tired, as you surmise. 
My home's the earth, and I go every place 
Where beings live, to give them hope and cheer. 

War God 

I fail to see where here you can assist ; 
For all my men are filled with happiness, 
And need no hope or cheer. 

Angel Love 

That may be so, 
And I'll not cast a doubt upon the truth 
Of it. I hope 'tis true. But you did say 
Not long ago that you would have a son ; 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 33 

And it would give you much more happiness 
To see th' entire earth upheaved. Then all 
Could murder and rejoice. 

Wae God 

I said that much, 
And more. A mate I would unto myself 
To make that glory certain. She has come! 
Descending from the Heavens pure and bright, 
Prepared to make a gorgeous home for me ! 

Angel Love 

'Twould have to be a home for each of us ! 
Wherein we'd both enjoy its brilliancy. 

War God 

A brilliant home ! Ah, yes, that would it be ! 
A model home for all upon the earth. 

Angel Love 

And, to create a model for the earth, 

This home would be acceptable to all. 

For housewives and their babes, as well as men : 

jFor sweethearts, and the younger children, too. 

War God 

What ! All in war? The housewives, sweethearts, all? 
I think that step would be impossible. 



34 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Angel Love 

I spoke not then of war. It was of home. 
The model home in which we both could live, 
And see its benefits. 

Disappears, 

War God 

Wait! Do not go! 
I would that we could plan our home the more. 
I've not refused you anything you ask; 
So hear me. Please return and hear me speak 
My love. I fear that I neglected that 
In our brief interview. She's gone ! And where ? 

Soldiers 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

War God 

Oh, vulgar devils, cease! 
Give me a silent moment for my thoughts. 
She's gone! And here I am, alone, to think 
Of her: the fairest ever stepped on earth! 
Will she return again 1 ? Quite possible. 
And when she does return, then will I greet 
Her with a grand surprise; for I shall work 
To make our home the loveliest of them all ! 

Exit. 

Soldiers 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

CURTAIN 



Evil may reign in souls for but a spell: 

Then Conscience drives its victim down to Hell. 



(35) 



ACT II. 

Same Evening. 

Scene: Throne-room in an Emperor's palace. 

The Emperor is seated upon his throne. Attendants. 
Jester is seated on a cushion, near throne. 

Emperor, Casting away a manuscript. 

My God ! Ten thousand more to feed the birds 
Of prey ! And nothing gained as yet. A year 
Of fruitless warfare has been waged, and all 
The land laid waste. And in that year of war 
A million of my loyal men lie dead, 
And other millions have been maimed for life. 

Jester 
Ah, Sire, those are the fruits of war. 

Emperor 
Be silent, dog ! Play with your dunce's head. 

Jester, rising. 

The dunce's head is dead, my Lord. I have 
Cast off that ancient plaything for some new 
Which please me better : for my sword and shrapnel 
Now are my delight. 

Exit. 

(37) 



38 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Empeeor 

Even the fool has taken to the game; 
Striving to be an equal with the rest. 
But when we play a fool's game, as we are, 
He then can beat us at it. With his toys 
He mimics his superiors, and then, 
With neither gain nor loss he wiles away 
His hours : while we, pretending to be wise, 
Allow both wholesale murder and destruction. 

Enter a page. 

Page 

There are two men without, my Lord. They would 
A word with you. 

Emperor 
Two men ; and what's their mission ' 

Page 
Two diplomats, fresh from the seat of war. 

Emperor 

JVIore diplomats! Two hagglers with their words 
You'd better say: for had they but possessed 
Diplomacy, there'd been no war at all. 
But I will hear them speak, as little harm 
Can come from the brief interview I'll give. 
Admit them. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 39 

Exit page. 

They'll regret intrusion here. 
These men who play with words in times of peace, 
And finally accomplish nought but war! 

Enter Jester. 

Jester 
I now have made the rounds, and all is well. 

Emperor 
What mean you, "All is well." f 

Jester 

The household, Sire : 
The butler, and the servants, all are well. 
And ev'n the roast, I think, will be well done. 

Emperor 

Withhold your cursed work with tongue and lung I 
fjet silence rule your body for a spell. 

Jester seats himself. 

My thoughts and words I must direct on these 

Enter diplomats. 

Two worthy looking subjects from the front. 

Speak out, my men, and let your narrative 

Of what you've seen and heard and done be brief. 



40 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

1st Diplomat 
Your majesty, we have good news for yon. 

Emperor 
What ! Peace proposals, I infer from that. 

1st Diplomat 

No, not so soon, but we're in hopes of peace. 
Our mission is to tell you of success 
Attained by your brave men. A fighting mass 
Of demons, ripping through the foe, to gain 
A victory for their noble Emperor! 

Emperor 
A mass of demons ! 

1st Diplomat 

Yes. To-day they stormed 
A hillock, where the enemy lay strong. 
With shell and bayonet they did advance, 
And, after hours of bloody give and take, 
They won the spot. It was a noble fight ! 
And with this point of vantage now attained, 
Th' entire front is strengthened, and your men 
Have taken on new power, strength, and courage. 

Emperor 

So! Had they need of these? From all reports 
My men were ever filled with strength and courage. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 41 

And they did take the hillock ! Was it made 

Of granite, or of sand? Or did the place belong 

To some poor farmer, who through years of toil 

Had fitted up his vineyard on the spot f 

Whatever it was, no-one could tell by now; 

All seeped in blood of good, true, loyal men, 

And garnished with their bodies and debris ! 

You say that we can hold the hill? It gives us great 

Advantage? Well, why cannot we proceed 

To win a victory, th' effect of which 

Will stop this war, and bring us welcome peace? 

This slaughter cannot end by standing still : 

By jostling back and forth without effect. 

2nd Diplomat 

Your Majesty, we are not generals; 
We only tell you what has taken place. 

Emperor 

Indeed! 'Tis hard to tell you what you are. 
Had you been generals before this war, 
Now could we be enjoying blessed peace. 
But you have wrongfully fulfilled the task 
Which you were set to do. You both have played 
While earnest work was waiting to be done. 
And, after you have failed so miserably, 
You dare to still retain your former titles, 
And say that you possess diplomacy ! 
What have you done out on the battle's front 
To bring to bear a peaceful settlement? 
You're only visitors, out near the firing line, 



42 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

To view a mighty man-hunt for a time. 
Then you return to me, as heralds only, 
And revel in your tales of death and woe. 
Begone ! You have but one more chance to do 
At this late hour what I expect of you. 
Do not return again until some news 
Of settlement can grace your lips. 



1st Diplomat 



But, Sir, 



How can a settlement be brought about, 

When you have an opponent who does hate 

The very thought of you ? An Emperor 

Who, if he had the chance, would run you through, 

And drink your blood with glee? 

2nd Diplomat 

And how could we 
Expect to swerve him from his chosen course? 
He'll never be content until he owns 
Your fertile lands, and makes your riches his. 
In his huge coffers would he place your wealth, 
And rid the earth of you. 

Emperor 

And I did think 
The selfsame things of him before this war. 
Mistrust and jealousy have had their way, 
And led us to this end. I still despise 
The hound, and would that he were cast in hell ! 
But, when we pause to ferret out the reason 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 43 

For sending millions to ignoble deaths, 
The fallacy of all the strife's made plain, 
And proves that anger drives us all insane. 
You are the monsters who have spun this web; 
And now you must unwind it. Waste no time! 
Again I tell you go ! 

1st Diplomat 

We will, my Lord ; 
And on the morrow, in the lion's den, 
We'll grapple with his views and make him yield. 
First one, and then the other, will expound 
The awful truth, until he offers peace. 

Emperor 
It must be done. 

2nd Diplomat 

We'll do our best, my Lord. 
Exit diplomats. 

Emperor 
And that could not be worse, with such as they ! 

Jester 
Now votes for women soon will come to pass. 

Emperor 
What, dog ! What mean you by such fool remarks ? 



44 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Jester 
They'll have to vote, for there'll be no men left. 

Emperor 
Out of my sight ! Your nonsense drives me mad. 

Jester 
As does the nonsense of your diplomats. 

Emperor 

He has it right, at that ! I fain would send 
Him, to affect the final terms of peace! 

Enter a page. 

What wish you now? 

Page 
A wretched man without would speak with you. 

Emperor 
How know you he is wretched? 

Page 



He did say it. 



Emperor 



And why should he be thus? Is he half starved, 
Or has he lost a brother in the war? 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 45 



Page 



I think he's had enough to eat, my Lord; 
But something must be gnawing at his brain. 



What is his station? 



Admit him then, 
Exit page. 



Emperok 



Page 

He's an editor. 

Emperor 



poor devil that he is. 



Jester, Sings : 

I knew a printer's devil once; 
He had to clean the type. 
He was the next thing to a dunce, 
But made a splendid swipe. 

Enter Editor. 

Emperor 

What now, good man, do you desire of me? 

Editor 

Pray, do not call me good, your Majesty : 
The title I do not deserve. 



46 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Emperor 

Well then, 
What mischief have you done that sends you here? 

Editor 

I've lied, your Majesty. Each day I've crammed 
My publication full of blase untruths 
About the war, until I'm sick of it. 
Each battle's been a victory for us : 
Each time our men are always at the top. 
And, what is worse, the people do believe it ! 

Emperor 
But is it not the program we had planned ? 

Editor 

Ah, yes! 

A program of deceit and censorship ; 

To keep the truth from those who ought to know. 

And now they clamor at my very doors, 

To hear the next grand lie that I can tell. 

Morale ! What have we sacrificed for that ? 

Our good names and our honor, first of all; 

And then your soldiers on the battlefield. 

Last, but not least, the people left at home ; 

For they've been led to think that all is well. 

Emperor 

It is a wicked game, but worry not 

So much at this late hour what you've done. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 47 

Success requires it, and 'til the end 
Be bold in your assertions, although false. 
Go rest your troubled mind until the morrow; 
Then 'twill be easier to think of things 
To please th' excited populace. Farewell. 

Exit Editor. 

Another conscience pricked beyond endurance! 

Enter a page. 

Page 

Your Majesty, our noble queen would have 
A word with you, before she takes her rest. 

Emperor 

More news of misery and poverty ! 
Admit her. 

Exit page 

She is sad, as well as I. 

Flourish : Enter Queen and escort. 

My dear, whate'er you have to say this night, 
Be careful of your words. My mind is full 
Of deepest sorrow, and of bitterness. 

Queen 

I know, my Lord, without your saying so. 

I grieve when it becomes my lot to have 

To speak of horrid things : but these are facts 



48 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

That I believe, I must acquaint you with. 

If I could not, then would I wake the night ; 

For I would think of you in your distress, 

And sleep would be an enemy to me. 

My news may cheer you up somewhat, for I 

Have done some tender kindnesses to-day. 

An aged lady was the first to ask 

My aid. In rags, and starving, did she come, 

And begged a mite of food. She was the charge 

Of three grand-children whom the father left, 

To go to war. Their mother's long since dead. 

I gave her food, and plenty. Then she blessed 

Her good queen and her king, and journeyed home. 

And then another came : she was quite young, 

And needed nourishment. I gave it her, 

And made her happy also. Others came; 

And through the day a never-ending stream 

Of wretchedness and poverty. But all 

Were happy as they took their leave, for I 

Had saved each life. Their blessings now on us 

Will they bestow. 

Emperor 

And all, you say, were women' 

Queen 

Yes, all. 

I understand that nearly every man 

Is fighting for his country : all at war. 

The women folk have taken up the work 

Their husbands used to do. But that, you know, 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 49 

Cannot endure much longer. They are forced 
To yield unto the nature of their sex, 
And now they beg for food. 

Emperor 

This cannot last. 
Two nations fighting out their very souls 
For want of common sense! And when 'tis done, 
A hundred years will be required to place 
Us on our former footing. We cannot 
Refuse to fight, for then the enemy 
Would soon proclaim a victory, and call 
Us cowards. Would to God that He could find 
A way to end it all ! 

Jester 
I saw two dogs a-quarreling o'er a bone. 

Emperor 
Yes, fool. 

Jester 

And as they'd tug and snarl, the poor 
Bone suffered miserably : first in one mouth 
And then in both. But 'twas not worth the having. 
There was no meat upon it, but they fought 
Like mad, all blood and foam : and then at last, 
With all their powers spent, and nothing gained, 
They went home with their tails between their legs, 
And left the bone a-lying on the ground. 



50 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Emperob 



A foolish story. 



Jester 



But it taught me much. 
I now have given up the game of war ; 
The jealous struggle, yielding only loss. 

Queen 
A wise man for a fool ! 

Emperor 

Pray, then, that all 
The earth might be inhabited by such! 

Queen 

My dear, I now will leave you to your thoughts, 

And to my chamber go, to rest and hope. 

Do try to east these worries from your mind, 

For on the morrow will you meet again 

These obstacles, and need a good, clear brain. 

May you sleep well ; and I will pray to God 

That soon our troubles cease. Good night, my Lord. 

Exit. 

Emperor 

A good, clear brain ! I once did that possess : 
But now a million flickerings of thoughts 
Electrify it, driving me insane. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 51 

My land lies idle and the people starve : 

My ablest men are murdered by the score ! 

And then, two fools approach, who gloat in tales 

Of misspent loyalty to me. They call 

My soldiers demons on the battlefield! 

I am the demon, and that other fool, 

Who calls himself an Emperor ! Two noble men ! 

Both cursed murderers of blackest die ! 

Would that I had no mind at all, and roamed 

A forest with the beasts : for beast I am ! 

The moon ! It once did shed its silvery light 
On us. But now, behold ! From yonder sky 
The cold and bloody orbit stares at us : 
And only one expression — that of awe! 
The death-mask of some ancient Diety, 
Who now defies the earth and all the hell 
Enacted there. My God ! That crimson glow ! 
Reflecting back to us the blood of men ! 
And drinking with complacency this gore! 

To Jester. 

Sleep, dog, upon your hearth. How fortunate 

To be without a brain ! You have no cares 

To mar the joys of rest and gluttony : 

Impossible for you to live a hell, 

Or even go to one. Your simple mind 

Has not the power to commit a sin; 

So, Heaven itself must take you when you die. 

But education's made us civilized, 

And with the strength that we've acquired from that 

We seek to tear apart the works of ages. 



52 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

With all the benefits that God's bestowed, 
We struggle to remain barbarians. 
What can become of us, who claim to be 
The brains and leaders of the common folk? 
If there's a hell, we will fall into it; 
And ne'er will Heaven cast a ray on us ! 

I'll to my rest ; but not a wink of sleep 
Can I expect this nightmare to afford. 
Would that I'd die before the rising sun, 
And go where I belong : another hell ! 
The Devil himself would be a pacifier ! 

CURTAIN 



There comes a time when even man awakes; 
And then a different attitude he takes. 



(53) 



ACT III. 

Scene I. Night of same day. 

Scene: Soldiers sleeping on battle-ground. War 
God enters and views them. Occasional rifle shots are 
heard in the distance. 

War God 

A few are still at work. 'Tis not complete; 
For by the light of torches should they fight. 
You little mites upon the sward seek rest, 
But, know you, it is but a waste of time. 
You miss the splendor of the glorious night; 
Wherein the gorgeous lights of fire and shell 
Would easily transform it into day. 
The lightning streaks spit from your rifles mouths 
Would make a handsome spectacle to see ! 
But, idling thus, you do the home delay 
That I am wont to make. 

A soldier rolls over and groans. 

Now, helpless wretch what is't you dream? 
Has some bold enemy just run you through, 
Or do you strain to keep him at a distance? 
Much good your rest will do you sleeping thus! 

A Soldier, half awakening. 

There, damn you ! Show me another ! Take that, you 
fiend! 

War God 

Your rest produces nought. You will awake 

To find an empty victory. Then joy 

For you will be most hard to contemplate. 

(55) 



56 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Restless ones move. 

Ah, no, this sleep does only dull your minds. 
It must not be much longer. You rehearse 
The pleasures of the previous day, and reap 
No benefit therefrom. 'Tis phantom play. 
Henceforth be not so drowsy when night falls; 
But show that you prefer to keep right on. 
And with the vim acquired by drinking blood, 
Rush on, and let your sharp steel spill the more! 
Then, in the cool night-time, will you obtain 
Sufficient gore for warm draughts at the dawn. 
My Angel Love expects great things from me, 
And, as my servants, disappoint me not. 
Sleep well to-night, but make this one your last : 
The bugle starts a new life with its blast ! 

Exit. 

Enter a sentinel. 

Sentinel 

This death-like silence weighs itself on me. 
I wish the morn would come. 

Exit. 

A ray of white light appears: then Angel Love. 
Angel Love 

Oh, poor misguided souls, who now relax 
To gain new strength to kill your fellow men, 
List' to the voice of Love, which you've forgot! 
You entered into this grim play of death, 
Not thinking what the true results would be : 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 57 

And, being kept excited, as you are, 

You have no chance to think of aught but war. 

The homes that once were cheerful now are filled 

With dismal thoughts of what might be your fate ; 

And all the firesides that once did glow 

So brightly, now are dimmed in agony. 

You men and boys who now commune with sleep, 

Are not contented with a lot like this; 

But, held as prisoners, you only curse 

The coming day which calls you forth to kill. 

In your excitement you've forgot to think 

Or even dream of home, where you should be. 

But now to change ! You boys who came to war 

To garner glory in gay uniforms, 

Are first to answer to my call. Awake ! 

Behold the home which longs and waits for thee ! 

Disappears. 

A youth slowly wakens. 

Youth 

I cannot sleep. How strange I feel! Some poVr 
Is tugging at my soul ; I know not what. 
It seemed to say "Awake!", so here I am, 
Pulled from that awful dream. 

Living picture of his home and mother, in back- 
ground. 

My God! What's this? 
My mother! Sitting in the same old chair. 
No, it cannot be she, for now she's gray, 
And too much age is heaped upon her brow. 
But that's my home. Yes, there's the broken blind, 



58 THE MIGHTY WAB GOD 

The walnut tree which shades the well, — why. look! 
There's Rover] Good old dog:! Yes, that's my home! 
The home I'm fighting for. 

His sweetheart enters picture. 

And who is this? 
Gertrude, my love! How cheerful you do seem! 
What! Now they greet with tears ? I wonder why? 
They should be gay and happy, there at home, 
Without a cause for worry, like I have. 
I wonder if they're lonesome there, alone? 
Do not be grieved, for I will soon return ; 
And then we'll all be happy once again. 
But will I soon return ? I may be shot 
To-morrow, by a devil's bolt of steel; 
Or spread upon the ground by someone's knife ! 
Ah, no ! You must not fear : that will not be. 
The Lord is with me, and He'll give me strength 
To fight ten times the harder toward the end. 
Then I can hasten back to you, my dears. 

The picture disappears. 

They're gone! And I did see it all so plainly. 

Picture of a different mother and sweetheart ap- 
pears. Much different in dress, especially. 

Why! Who is this ? My eyes must now deceive me; 

For this is not my mother and my love. 

And dressed so queerly ! Odd that this should be. 

It is the family of an enemy ! 

But why should I see this? And they do weep, 

Much as my own. It seems that all do mourn. 

Have the} r a son or loved one in this fray, 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 59 

That I'm to try to kill if I can do it? 
And does he dream, on yonder battlement, 
Of slaying me, and ruining my life? 

The picture disappears. 

It's gone again ! 'Twas pleasant, — yet how sad ! 

How sad that we should try to kill each other, 

And break up homes that once were filled with 

pleasure ! 
Ah, no ! I'll not kill him or any more 
That face me on the field. I'll take death first : 
For, now that I've been shown the wickedness 
Of all of this, I swear to God that I 
Renounce allegiance to a murderer's creed! 
If I am killed, dear folks at home, 'twill be 
To save another home what you'll endure. 
Sleeps. 

Angel Love appears. 

Angel Love 

And now you men who have betook a wife; 
And she perhaps, has entered motherhood: 
Behold the spectacle that you've forgot! 
The home that needs a husbands' supervision, 
But struggles sadly on 'gainst poverty. 

Disappears. 

Middle-aged man awakens. 

Man. 

J thought I heard an Angel call. 'Twas soft 
And sweet, and sounded like my darling's voice. 
I had almost forgotten her. 



60 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Picture of his wife and babe appears. 

Why, there! 
My Mary and the child! See how she smiles! 
But yet how sad it is ! That's not the way 
She used to smile when I was there. 'Twas gay, 
And filled with all the pure essence of joy. 
I wonder if they have enough of food? 
I left her money when I came away; 
But still it was not much. And it has been — 
<My God ! It's been a year since I left home ! 
,Ah, no, they have no money by this time, 
Unless it's giv'n by hands of charity. 
Perhaps she's worked — yes, slaved — to save herself 
And child from death. 

A milkman appears in picture. 

Ah ! There comes food for them. 
What ? Passing by ? Now she has stopped the man. 
Note that expression on her face : so full 
Of anguish now. She's begging him for food! 
And he will not consent to leave a drop ! 
Now on her knees ! Arise, Marie, and tell 
The stingy dog that I will pay him well 
For what you get, when I return from war. 
There ! Now she's been successful. See the joy 
Light up her saddened countenance. Oh, God! 
That it should come to this ! That she should have 
To beg, when all was once prosperity ! 
And here I am, a common murderer, 
Far from a home that needs my services. 

The picture disappears. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 61 

What have I done? I've helped kill many men 
Who had a home much as my own was there. 
And what will e'er become of them ? The wives 
And babes will starve, or live in pauper's dens ! 
Oh, what a ghastly lesson, come too late ! 
My strength is leaving me. I wish that I 
Might either die at once or hasten back 
And give assistance, 'ere it is too late. 
A murderer ! How could I look again 
Into an honest face and bear the shame ? 
Oh, kill me Lord; the strain is now too great 
To still remain on earth. My soul is stained : 
So, throw me into Hell, for I am done ! 

Sleeps. 

Angel Love appears. 

Angel Love 

There still remains another class of men 
To reach before my mission's at an end : 
The elder men, conservative and wise. 
Although they'd nearly reached the goal of life, 
The call to arms outweighed their better judgment : 
And, reck'ning not the outcome, took a part. 
Awake, you men, who make the laws for men ! 
Consider if this step was well worth while. 

Disappears. 

An Old Man awakens. 

Old Man 

The night is one huge nightmare, full of dreams 
In which I kill the enemy, or waste 



62 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

My strength against a horde of vicious devils. 
What could be worse? I'm glad that I'm. awake, 
For now perhaps my pipe can still my nerves. 

Picture of his aged wife and four little grand- 
children toiling in a field. 

Great guns ! What's that ? It's Anna and the babes ! 
Oh, how I wish that I were home once more ! 
To hold those young grandchildren on my knee 
Once more before I die, would seem so good. 
But why, I wonder, do they spade and toil? 
Perhaps their granny's teaching them to work; 
To make them big and strong when they grow up. 
See how they turn each spade of dirt, then rake 
Their little spot all smooth. Why, now they sow 
Some sort of seed. Perhaps a flower bed. 
But look ! They're growing tired of the task, 
And leaning on their tools with sober looks. 
And Anna weeps ! I think I see it all. 
They're trying to produce some grain for food. 
Where are the horses and the sulky plow, 
That used to turn the whole field in a day? 

My God ! They must be sold or dead ; and ev'n 

If they did have these things, they could not use them. 

There'd be no men to man the plow, or feed 

To give the horses. How can they exist? 

Oh, would that I could be with them once more, 

And try to save their lives ! See how they toil. 

Why should this come to pass ? I will be killed, 

And they will kill themselves by work and worry. 

The only hope that's left is that Above. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 63 

In Heaven may we meet and then rejoice. 

But how can I expect to enter there? 

My blood-stained hands would bar me from the goal. 

Oh, God, remove me from this earth, or else 

Allow me to return and save my lambs ! 

I can no longer fight and kill, since now 

Its awful wickedness is shown to me. 

Sleeps. 

Angel Love appears. 

Angel Love 

Love has now played its part this glorious night. 

The truth, infused with reason, has been shed 

On all the souls engaged in this great strife. 

Sleep on, eased minds, and when the dawn arrives, 

Your new thoughts will have changed you all aright. 

I've seen your brothers — not your enemies — 

On yonder battlements; and they have seen 

The same as you. Now all do understand : 

Except your officers, who'll count as nought. 

When on the morrow you will make the charge, 

Betake yourselves into the arms of love. 

Your brothers there await your coming. Go ! 

And if there shall occur a single death, 

It will be caused from joy alone, or else 

All pow'r of love has vanished from the earth! 

Disappears. 

CURTAIN 



64 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

ACT III. 

Scene II. Early the next morning. 

Scene: Outer works of a large fortress. Parapet. 
Two sentinels are pacing back and forth, each hum- 
ming a tune. 

1st Sentinel 

Do you not know the fate that you would meet, 
If any officer should hear you sing? 

2nd Sentinel 

Yes, I would then be placed upon a stage 
To sing to royalty. 

1st Sentinel 

What! With that voice? 

2nd Sentinel 
Why, sure! It's far superior to yours. 

1st Sentinel 

Superior to mine! Well, be it so. 
But why, I wonder, do we feel so gay? 

2nd Sentinel 

I know what makes my spirit bubble o'er : 
Last night I had a troubled sleep — a dream. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 65 

Why, never have I had such dreams before! 
Awakening, it seemed, I saw my wife and home ! 
And, gazing at the view before my eyes, 
I made a solemn vow. 

1st Sentinel 

A vow! How queer! 
And I did so myself. I saw my home 
And mother. Then my sweetheart came. They wept, 
And seemed to be unhappy, both of them. 
This war, I know, has caused it all. So then 
It was that I did make my solemn vow. 

2nd Sentinel 
And, pray, what was it? 

1st Sentinel 

Will you keep it still 
If I do tell it you? 



2nd Sentinel 

Why, certainly. 
Why should a comrade give his friend away? 



1st Sentinel 

I vowed I'd never shoot to kill again. 
And what was yours? 



66 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

2nd Sentinel 

My Lord! I did the same. 
My dream did sicken me of all this war; 
And, if we're killed to-day by yonder foe, 
We'll not die dealing death to wives and babes. 

1st Sentinel 

I fear not that, for something seems to say 
That all is understood among the ranks. 
Whate'er the power is that's caused this change 
I cannot guess : but how the atmosphere 
Has changed ! The birds are even bold, and come 
To sit and sing upon our battlements. 

2nd Sentinel 

Yes, it is truly strange. My heart is light, 
Where once it used to hang a ball of lead, 
Awaiting some poor sinner's bayonet. 

1st Sentinel 

And see the sun, how brightly it does shine, 
As if to say to us — 

2nd Sentinel 

An officer ! 

Sentinels continue to pace . Enter officer and bugler. 

Officer 

Call to his post each man. To-day will see 
The crucial struggle of this mighty war. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 67 

Bugler blows. Blast is weak, Soldiers straggle in 
and form attention. 

How weak that bugle's blast came forth ! Like some 
Young rooster's crow. 

Begins an inspection. 

Bugler, aside. 
It tasted strong enough. 

A Soldier, to another. 
I stuffed a sock inside it as he slept. 

Another 
I wish that this were our last fight. 

Another 

Who talks 
Of fight, on such a day as this? 

Some 
Not me ! 

Another 
Be careful where you aim. 

Another 

You bet I will. 



68 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Officer addresses troops. 

Officer n 

Now spread yourselves along this parapet, 
And be in readiness when they approach. 
Arise and fight when you do hear the bugle. 

Exit. 

A Soldier 

Some good advice. I wonder where he's gone? 

Another 

His home is in the cellar when a fight 
Is on. He watches through his periscope. 

Another 

I've fixed my bayonet. See what it does 
When I strike at the loathsome enemy. 

Breaks it. 

Another 

Oh, gentle bullets, when I start you off, 
Sing songs of love as you flit o'er their heads. 

Another 
A poet in our ranks ! 

Another 

Long live the poet ! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 69 

Bugle in distance. Brums and noise. 

Another, rising. 
They're getting ready, fellows ! Hear the drums ! 
With banners in the lead the enemy 
Advances from the distant wood. 



Another 

Why, yes, 
Their flag is coming on ahead ! Two men 
Is all that I can see. 



Another 

And only two, 
To cross that broad expanse and taste our lead. 



Another 

What say you? If they taste of lead to-day, 
Their persecutor will be Heaven itself ! 



Another 

Another man is added to our list. 
I do believe we're all of one accord. 



Another 

See them ! They come as gaily as two men 
Might do if they were only out for pleasure. 



70 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Another 

They seem to chat with one another now. 
They laugh, as if some joke were in the air. 

Another 

The one does wear a uniform like ours. 
An officer, or else my eyes are weak. 
He bears a sword ; now swings it at the tops 
Of waving grass, as they approach our stand. 

Another 

This step may be a ruse of yonder foe 
To sacrifice their lives to learn our posts. 

Another 

Ah, no. It's just one step in that great change 
Which has upset all former rules of war. 

Another 

Look now ! Their army moves ! A dusky streak 
Much like a cloud emerging from the wood. 

Another 

But not a siege gun has been fired. It is 
As quiet as a Sunday morn at home. 

Another, standing in front of muzzle of a defence 

cannon. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 71 

If their guns are as useless as our own, 
They will not act to-day. 

Another 

God, man, look out! 
That gun may go at any moment, Jump ! 
And if you prize your life at all, be quick ! 

Reply 

I seek a place I know is good and safe; 
And were this muzzle larger, in I'd go. 

Another 
Come men ! His mind is crazed. Let's try to save him. 

Reply 

Withhold your good intentions, for with these 
I've fixed the wires well. 

Displays wire-cutters. 

Bugle. 

Another 

Blow on, your honor, 'til your lungs do crack ! 
You only blow a welcome to our friends 
Who hasten to be with us. 

Firing is heard in distance. Some soldiers drop, 
for safety. 



72 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Why drop ? You are not hit, as yet. And from 
The looks of things, you will not be to-day. 

More distant firing. 

Look there ! They fire at the sky ; and all 
Their whistling bullets die away in space. 

Another 
They cannot see, or else have not the range. 

Another 

They see, but understand. Shooting at stars 
Is nobler pastime than to shoot at men. 

Enter Officer, with lieutenants. 

Officer 

I cannot understand it ! Not a gun 
Will fire : and soon they'll be of no avail. 

Fortress soldiers fire. 

What! Are they now so close that you must fire? 
More soldiers fire. 

What are you shooting at ? An aeroplane ? 
Your sights must be at fault. You fire too high. 

More fire. 

Halt, where you are ! What demon's in your souls, 
That you will play with death so recklessly? 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 73 

Who are those men out yonder on the field? 
My God ! Their flag is coming on ahead ! 

To lieutenants. 

Bring in more men. 'Twill soon be hand-to-hand 
That we must meet them ! 

Exit lieutenants. 

Give me a rifle. Ill cut down the hounds 
Who dare to come in pairs to plant their flag ! 

A Soldier 
No. I will do the deed. There's time enough. 

Officer 
What! You refuse an officer? 

Soldier 

We all refuse, your honor : for to-day 

No man will kill another, for the sake 

Of saving some great wall of stone. Those lives 

That are approaching are more dear to us. 

Officer, drawing sword. 
Well, fool, I'll show you who will kill a man ! 

Lunges at soldier. 
Take that! 
Misses soldier, and falls. 

You beast ! 



74 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Soldier 

Come men ! This is our chance. 
Soldiers overpower officer. 

Officer 

What is this ? Mutiny ! You low-lived curs ! 

Take off these bonds, and fight to save your country. 

Soldier 

Our country's not in danger, my dear sir. 
The greatest danger now is bound securely. 

To other soldiers. 

Take him to some good hiding place, and out 
The way; for we need all this space. 

Soldiers exit with officer. 

Officer 

You dogs! 
Shouts and murmurs of approaching army are 
heard. 

A Soldier 
Dogs that we are, let's meet them with a hand! 

Another 

See there! Confusion now among their ranks! 
They stop ! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 75 

More shouts and murmurs. 

Another 

I wonder what is wrong? Why, now 
They're turning back! They turn and run I 

Another 
Hello! 

Shouts of greeting to approaching officers. 

Let down a ladder for our two brave friends ; 
And offer them the best that we can give. 
They must be nervous, and quite weary, too, 
From their long sojourn o'er the boggy ground. 

Another 

Their army's disappeared into the wood. 
This is too much : just like a troubled dream. 

Officers appear over ramparts. Greetings. 
Another 

Welcome, my friends! You surely have much nerve 

To face a fortress like this all alone. 

Here is refreshment. Take, and then explain. 

Another 
But why wear you the garb of one of us? 



76 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Officer 

Because that's what I am. An officer, 
But yesterday o'ercome upon the field, 
By my friend here ; another officer. 

Other Officer 

Do not say overcome. We both were ev'n ; 
But chance did make you seem my prisoner. 

A Soldier 
How queer ! I do not understand. 

Officer 

Nor we. 
It all has happened in the queerest manner. 
We were condemned to meet a deadly fate 
At your own hands, by coming as we did. 
And now, it seems, that we must be in Heaven. 

A Soldier 

And Heaven it is, compared to yesterday. 
Put up your flag, my friend, and let it wave 
Beside our own. 

Flag is raised. 

Two friends now side by side ! 

Cheers from distant army. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 77 

We do regret that all our other friends 
In yonder wood had not the confidence 
To follow you, and make our step more certain. 

Officer 

There is no danger on that score; for all 

I understand, have now refused to fight. 

Like boys they seemed, when we did pass their ranks : 

Almost beyond their officers' control. 

A Soldier 

Much like ourselves; for we chucked one away, 
Because he wished to stop your progress there. 
And then he called us "Dogs" and other names, 
In payment for our services to keep 
Him off the list of common murderers. 

Another 

It would be well, I think, to organize, 
Now that we are in power. If we don't, 
Some ruse will get us in the guard-house, where 
We'll only think of what we might have done. 

Another 

The guard-house ! Ah ! We had not thought of that. 
And if we get there once, 'tis certain death. 
Let each man swear allegiance to our cause; 
And if we still must die, let's die for peace! 



78 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

All 
Hurrah! 

Enter a messenger. 

A Soldier 

Here comes a messenger. We'll hear from those 
Who were so quiet on the other wall. 
Hello, my friend. 

Messenger 

Where is your officer? 

Soldier 

What mean you, "Officer"? We once had such 
But since the good God has restored our reason, 
We get along quite well as now we are. 
If you must speak of officers, begone! 

Messenger 

No, that was mere precaution when I asked. 
I've come to bring you news of dire distress : 
Where hasty action's needed, lest a group 
Of our most loyal men will meet their death. 

Some 
What! Death? 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 79 

Messenger 

Yes, some were lured into a trap 
Set by our officers, when they descried 
The mutiny. They will be shot 'ere long, 
Unless we act at once. It happ'd that I 
Was fortunate enough to be delayed; 
And when I went to join my comrades, — gone! 
And now they swelter in the slaughter pen. 

A Soldier 
Get into ranks ! 

To officers. 

This task is up to you. 
Lead us in double-quick to save their lives! 

Enter a bugler. 
Call the reserves at once, and sound a charge! 

Bugle. 

One Officer 
See that each rifle's fitted well for work. 

A bugle answers. 

Other Off 
They answer their assistance ! 

1st Officer 

Forward march ! 
CURTAIN 



Ev'n might and power can quite unstable be, 
Directed wrongly 'gainst humanity. 



(81) 



ACT IV. 



Same morning. Early. 

Scene: Rendezvous of War God. The War God 
is seated on his throne. 

War God 

The awful, wasted night has passed, and I 

Do wish no other like it. Oh, the thoughts 

That through my once clear brain have had their romp ! 

They never came to me like that before. 

Evil and good, all mixed in grand confusion. 

First, evil, when I'd try to plan success; 

And good, when I would think of her, my love. 

The night was wasted; so, how could they fight 

When I, their head, had not the battle planned? 

And all the blame is her's ; for had she not 

Appeared to me to talk of love and home, 

I'd revel in more victory to-day. 

Yes, she, who talked of model home, and then 

Left me alone to do the making of it ! 

'Twas not the plan I had conceived; for she 

Was to assist by giving me a son. 

Then would her part have been complete. But now 

Not knowing what my next step ought to be, 

I hesitate, and lose what I have gained — this home. 

Why should she come for one brief moment only, 

Destroying all my plans, and then to vanish? 

A stillness, mighty and unbearable, 

Now weighs itself upon my war-torn earth : 

(83) 



84 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

And all the music for my thirsting soul 
Has died away into eternity. 
I cannot reason why the change should be : 
Perhaps my trusted men can now explain. 

Enter two diplomats. 

What reason for your grave and worried looks? 

1st Diplomat 

My noble War God, there is something wrong. 

We know not what has caused this change, but it 

Has swept the earth like one great, magic storm. 

Last Eve. we visited an Emperor, 

Who at the outset was as full of fight 

As one could wish. But now the mighty change 

That's come upon him! All his thoughts are peace. 

And when we did report to him that still 

No peace proposals graced our new report, 

He raved and railed at us, as one gone mad : 

And would disown us as his diplomats. 

War God 

He never owned you ! You must ne'er forget 
That you belong to me. 

1st Diplomat 

Yes, that we do. 
But he does think that we belong to him. 
'Tis necessary if we wish to keep 
His anger roused, and hold him to this war. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 85 

We talked to him of enemies, and what 
They'd do if once he'd fall into their power. 
And when we had completed we'd provoked 
His anger once again to fighting point; 
And left him in a mood to wreck the earth. 

War God 
Then why do you complain, if this is so? 

1st Diplomat 

Because the other half of what I'd say 

Is still far worse than that which I have told. 

The armies will not fight : they mutiny. 

War God 

What! Mutiny? 

2nd Diplomat 

Yes, and 'twas I who saw the wicked work ! 
A beautiful attack was planned for you 
Against the fortress yonder. But how strangely 
And ev'n unwarlike did th' attack begin! 
No heavy siege guns played upon the works, 
Nor did the fortress answer back with fire. 
Then, suddenly, two men were sent alone, 
To charge across the field. It meant sure death, 
Had any of the men desired to kill. 
But they passed unmolested. Then the horde 
Of seasoned veterans that lay in wait, 
Came from their hiding in the inky woods, 



86 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

And made as if to charge. But the attack 
Had scarce begun before confusion reigned 
Among their ranks ; and then they turned and ran ! 
They had no life to fight; and when they'd fire, 
'Twould be as if at visions in the sky. 
The world is all upset, and what's the reason? 

War God 

Whate'er the reason is, I cannot say : 

But now there's work to do. Do not delay. 

Re-organize your men at once, and know 

That anger still will make them fight for us. 

You cannot stand and watch them: you must work. 

1st Diplomat 

What more could we have done than what we did? 
We deal with Emperors, and you the men. 
Our part was played when we did rouse our victim, 
And you have worked each night to rouse your own. 

War God 

'Tis true; but there is something deeper to decipher; 

And must be dealt with quickly, if at all. 

These minor workings of the common mind 

Are fleeting, and can well be overcome. 

But you must hasten. Teach your generals 

To see the folly in this childish move. 

Give them encouragement, and when they have it, 

Arouse once more their lust for blood and war. 

To-night I'll school my men anew ; and this 

Will give us mightier power than e'er before. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 87 

2nd Diplomat 

But can you not suggest some mighty plan 
For us to follow? 

Wae God 

I just gave it you. 
And I can only add, go do your best. 

1st Diplomat 

Then will we ply our cunning with a zest; 
And feed our generals on gallsome tales, 
Th' effect of which we hope you soon will see. 

Exit diplomats. 

War God 

So all refuse to fight ; My warriors, 

"Who, yesternight, lay restless in their sleep, 

Grappling with phantom enemies in dreams : 

And now refuse to clash when they've the chance! 

That is the curse of sleep ; for then the mind 

Has too much chance to take on other views. 

And even I myself became confused, 

Wrapped in the thoughts of gaining more success. 

Instead of working for myself alone, 

I've let an absent partner spoil it all. 

It is absurd ! But now I'll work alone, 

And let my pow'rs afford me what they will. 

Bays of light from above. 



88 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

What ! Now the change that o'er my being steals I 
I feel that mighty presence once again. 
I dare not look : for I am sure 'tis she. 

Angel Love appears from above. 

But how can I resist ? I must regard 
Her charming form again! 

Looks. 

My God! From thence! 
Descending from the Heavens ! And I — 

A Voice 

Ascend 
From Hell! 

Angel Love 

From hell, or no, you now are changed. 
And I do offer consolation to 
Your worried soul ; and wish to pull you from 
This difficulty, ere it is too late. 



A difficulty? 



War God 



Angel Love 



Yes. You now do wave 
Between two fires, which creep towards your ruin. 
They're eating inroads slowly to your soul ; 
And must soon be extinguished. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 89 

War God 

What are fires, 
That such as I should swerve aside for them? 
I live by fire ! 



Angel Love 

But not by fire of mind. 
The brilliant glow which has prolonged your life 
Was caused by matter ruined on the field: 
The clash of arms, and light from burning homes. 
In such displays the mind has ceased to act. 



War God 

But what, then, are the fires of which you'd speak? 

Angel Love 

Your present, and the future grand success 

That you are wont to have. Before you wished 

To draw th' entire earth beneath your hand, 

You had success; and happiness was yours. 

But suddenly your greed outweighed your reason, 

And forced new plans into your crowded brain. 

Then were your thoughts divided, and your mind 

Assumed two channels in the stead of one. 

And, know you, that no mind can do good work 

In such condition. 'Tis not satisfied 

With what the present brings; and broods on fancy. 



90 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

War God 

You speak the truth, and I have now declared 
That I will henceforth wage my fate alone. 
I've cast aside my hopes of aid from you. 

Angel Love 

No, do not that; for I have come to make 
The greatest power on earth be symbolized 
In your great soul. A master of the world ! 

War God 

Then must it be a world of war. If not, 

My power would be nought, for that's my life. 

Angel Love 

You are mistaken. War is not your life. 

'Tis might which holds your presence on this earth. 

You are the God of War, but should you rule 

In any other station, you would be 

As great as you are now. But what is that, 

Compared to what I have in store for you? 

With nearly all the earth disowning you, 

The opportunity to act has come. 

You must be tactful and obey the will 

Of all the people. Do what they desire. 

War God 

I do. My men were born to fight. They crave 
The daily struggles which mean life or death. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 91 

They love to play the animal, and live 

Close to their mother Nature. 'Tis their life. 



Angel Love 

You only speak of man ; but, think you, there's 

A gentler sex upon this earth, who share 

A silent fate with man. And not 'til you 

Have likewise brought them under your dominion, 

Will you attain the height of your desires. 

These creatures are your greatest enemies, 

For they abhor both war and you alike. 

You've broken up their pleasures and their homes, 

By forcing death upon their loyal mates. 

Husbands and lovers have gone forth to war, 

Ne'er to return to them, so dearly loved; 

And all the blame is giv'n to you, the God 

Of all the discontent that's been aroused. 

Man does not crave these pastimes with the sword, 

But loses in excitement all his reason; 

And plunges into error unawares. 

And, savagery, of which you love to boast, 

Is not the nature of the present man. 

They are not animals, as you would have them; 

But sometimes are they forced to play the part. 

And when you say that they're enjoying Nature, 

You only jest, for Nature is the power 

That tends to ever better things on earth. 

Construction, not destruction, is its aim; 

And progress is the fruit derived from it. 



92 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

War God 

But what has all of this to do with might? 
What must I do, according to your plan? 

Angel Love 

Your task is now to satisfy the world. 
The cause of all this discontent is known 
To you ; and, with a single, mighty stroke, 
All can be changed to happiness and joy. 
Your only hope is that you stop all war, 
And then remain a champion of peace. 

War God 

To discontinue war ! ? 

Angel Love 

Your might will then 
Extend to every corner of the earth. 
In every home will people worship you : 
And even I, myself ; for in our home, 
All brilliant with the glare of industry, 
Will we rejoice that this has come to pass. 
Our son will aid in keeping peace on earth. 

War God 

Our son ! To aid in keeping peace on earth ! 

My Angel Love! From whence this master mind 

That has conceived for me this noble plan? 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 93 

Angel Love 

I only deal with Nature as she is; 

And aim to not distort the works of God. 

By doing this disaster is averted, 

And peace and friendship then go hand in hand. 

Success is sure to follow in this wake. 

Instead of forcing men against their will, 

You now can aid them to prosperity. 

Come! Let us not delay. Our model home 

Awaits us. Discontent is in the air, 

And murder's not yet ceased. My champion 

Must now proclaim his greatest victory, 

And be the noblest hero of all time ! 



War God 
It is a mighty stroke. 

Angel Love 

And means your life 
Or death. I love you, Come! 

War God 

My Angel Love ! 
Exit together. 

CURTAIN 



For Joy and Happiness we ever fight : 
They only come from doing what is right. 



(95) 



ACT V. 

Same Day. Later. 

Scene: A spot on battle-field. A General and the 
two diplomats are conversing. 

General 

He says I am a coward? Foul fiend! 

He is the coward, and were he here, I'd drink 

His life's blood ! 

1st Diplomat 

And he says you are a sham : 
Mere shadow of a man ; and that his fort 
Would stand against a hundred more like you. 

2nd Diplomat 

And he remarked that only twenty men 
Were all he'd need to place against your own. 
.He even called you " Puppy", and desired — 

General 

Withhold your speech, or I will rip you open! 
A cur like him must never live the day. 
If he were here, with ev'n a thousand like him, 
Th' entire drove would wallow in their blood ! 
A coward ! And from the lips of him ! Ah, wait ! 
What cruel torture for myself and sword! 

(97) 



98 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

1st Diplomat 
He may arrive, my lord. 

2nd Diplomat 

Yes, he did say 
That he had business to transact with you. 

General 

And business will it be, if ever he 
Does cross my line of vision ! And for his men, 
When they will have to dig his resting place. 
His haggled form will roll upon the ground; 
And, with a final stroke, I then will sever 
His carcass from that useless mass of bone 
That never had a brain ! What do I see ? 

1st Diplomat 
It is he now. 

General 

I'll go to meet the dog! 

2nd Diplomat 

Wait ! Do not be too rash in this attempt. 

Let's hear him speak; for know you there will be 

Sufficient time for you to do the deed. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 99 

General 

But time is precious when a brute like him 
Is still at large on earth. 

1st Diplomat 

But still there's time; 
And he is almost here. 

General 

Oh, fevered sword! 
You soon will have your wish. This trusted steel 
Rejoices at the coming prospect here I 

Enter other General. 

Now, devil, speak ! Waste not your words, for you 
Are short-lived on this earth. 

Other General 

Whate'er the time 
That God will grant my stay upon the earth, 
I will be thankful for't. But what is now 
The reason for this great display of anger? 

General 

Just as I've said before ! You have no mind, 
And cannot understand when brains do work. 
A useless ornament in stripes and brass; 
That brags of nothings, and does less than that. 
I'll make you understand, before you're through: 
So, speak, and do not play with useless words ! 



100 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Other General 

Well then, I will. My mission at this hour 

Is to propose some terms of settlement 

For this great strife. It has waged long enough. 

General 

What! Dog and coward that you are! Some terms! 
Is that the text of your last speech on earth? 
There are no terms, excepting by the sword, 
So now prepare to die ! 

1st Diplomat 

Hold! Hear him through. 

General 

His words have not the worth of list'ning to. 
Hear now the distant cries of all my men : 
They're clamoring for war, and wish to fight. 

Other General 

You lie, when you do make that bold assertion. 
Your men despise all war : and so do mine. 

General 

A liar now ! Oh, damn your cursed soul ! 
I'll have your life, or know the reason why ! 

1st Diplomat 
Withhold yourself, for one brief moment more. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 101 

General 

s Por one brief moment! Every one's an hour! 
I will not wait: the devil's waiting him. 

2nd Diplomat 

You must await ; for it's not generalship 
To act too rashly in a case like this. 

Other General 

Our armies, for some reason still unknown, 
Have mutinied; and now we will be forced 
To use diplomacy to bring about 
The settlement which war was meant to bring. 

1st Diplomat, aside to 2nd Diplomat. 
Diplomacy ! This is no place for us ! 

Other General 

We both have fought, and proved that we are equals. 
Could we fight longer, there might be a change. 
But under these conditions are we forced 
To cease, and now affect our peace at once. 

General 

Affect your peace in Hell! And I'll remain 
On earth, to wipe the stains of your crude work 
From off its face. You harm the Universe. 
You and the devil may talk peace until 
Your cinders do not crackle any more! 



102 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Other General 

Had we the men, and you would still wage war, 
'Twould give us pleasure to defeat your hopes. 
But now we're powerless: the men command, 
And all hopes of continuance are lost. 



2nd Diplomat 

It seems that if you'd kill the mutineers, 
You could proceed. 



Other General 

That is impossible. 
There's not a man who will consent to fight. 
And, as I've said before, they are in power. 
You're foolish to suggest a plan like this. 



2nd Diplomat 



What! Foolish? 



General 

Yes, to waste your words on him. 
Are you awakening to the nature of the cur? 
He's called you foolish, and you only stare, 
As one who's blinded by a sudden light. 
Stand back! Give now my trusted sword the chance 
To put an end to all his deviltry ! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 103 



Other General, drawing sword. 

Yes, give us way: I'll play him at his game. 
Bear on your hardest, lest the fight grow tame ! 

They clash. 



General 

A braggard unto death ! Like all the fools : 
They cannot see destruction in advance. 

Other General 
Your work is crude. Say when you wish to die. 

General 
At any moment after you have perished! 

2nd Diplomat, to 1st Diplomat. 
Our work has once more set aright the fire! 

1st Diplomat, to 2nd Diplomat. 
And we should get no little praise for this. 

Bugle. Enter officer and aides. 
2nd Diplomat 
Desist for one brief spell. A messenger. 



104 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Officer 

Dear General, I've come to state good news. 
Our men have taken on a second thought, 
And now would plunge into the fray again. 

General 

I knew that they could never stand the strain 
Of idling thus ; and babbling 'bout their homes. 
And, now that they have had a little rest, 
Their work will henceforth be the more efficient. 
Wait 'til I kill this beast ; then I will go 
Back to our lines and lead them to success. 
A few more strokes and all will be complete. 
Lay on, you devil! I am needed hence. 

They resume fighting, rays of white illuminate the 
scene. 

Officer 

A brilliant spectacle, I will admit ! 

General 
This splendid daylight aids me in my work. 

Other General 
And exercise is what I've needed long. 

Enter War God and Angel Love, unobserved. 

Angel Love 
Oh! 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 105 

War God 

Do not frighten at this crude display. 
The wicked now avenge their awful wrongs 
Upon themselves. There'll be no loss or gain. 

Angel Love 
But it must not continue. 

War God 
No, my Love. 

Other General 
Other General disarms General. 
Now, take that which you were so prone to give ! 

War God, stepping forward. 
Halt! 

Other General 

Oh ! That mighty power again ! Our strength ! 
Why do you stop the play which gives you life? 

War God 

Give life or death, remain as now you are. 
Your tasks upon this earth are at an end; 



106 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

And in your places other generals 

Will lead, with standards of another hue : 

From crimson to the dazzling white of peace! 

General 
Then you are not our War God any more? 

War God 

There is no God of War. He is now dead, 
And in his place a God of Peace has risen. 
Send messengers back to your men of war, 
Informing them at once of this great change. 

Messengers depart. 

In future, when the earth shall be upheaved, 
'Twill be for Progress' sake, and not to rob 
The earth of all the benefits it's gained. 
No longer shall the rule of death and spoils 
Prevail ; for every step that man shall take 
Will lead unto a brighter, nobler life. 
And all our former years that were misspent, 
Will be a chapter for comparison. 

Other General 

Then we are nought. We can no longer serve 
According to our training, — that of war. 
What can we e'er expect to gain from peace? 

A red glow appears. Then Satan. 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 107 

War God 

A thousand years would never set you right. 
The earth could not endure your presence here. 
Thus, I will give you leave to take your way 
Into the only realm that's left for you. 

Pointing to Satan. 

He waits. Bid farewell to the land of peace! 

Generals depart in Satan's direction, with bowed 
heads. Satan points the way. 

1st Diplomat 

.Your Majesty, is there not some mistake? 
Wouldst drive two worthy men into a hell? 

War God 

There's no mistake ; but one there'd surely be, 
If I would fail to likewise send you there. 
You and your partner, devils to the core, 
May aid to keep the fires of Hell alive. 
Farewell, my puppets, who have aided me! 

Diplomats depart in Satan's direction. Satan de- 
parts with them, but red glow remains. 

Cheers of soldiers in distance. 
Angel Love 
The news of peace has reached them! 



108 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

War God 

Yes. The cheers 
That stand for future glory now arise. 
For future glory that is civilized ! 
My Angel Love, how long a soul must live, 
Before all great mistakes are brought to light! 
Through long and countless ages have I erred, 
And sent great legions forward to destroy : 
But now your soul, all purity and love, 
Has conquered mine, the very opposite. 
And now no greater joy could I possess, 
To know that all the world can have its wish. 

More distant cheers of soldiers. 

A million men made happy on this day ! 
And millions more will soon obtain the news. 
Your wives and sweethearts now can happy be, 
Through all the ages, to eternity. 
And, I must now depart, — to take my place 
Among the other demons of my race. 

Satan appears again. 

Angel Love 

Depart ? Why, no ! Our home is waiting us, 
Where now we will enjoy a brilliant life. 

War God 

A brilliant life 'twill be : but only you 
Are to partake of all its splendid gifts. 
The earth is now transformed into peace, 



AND THE ANGEL LOVE 109 

And never will a War God rule again. 
Thus, is there no need for a God of Peace, 
To hold his sway o'er peaceful citizens. 
Moreover, I have done so many wrongs, 
That even Satan cannot cope with me. 
But he's possessor of the only home 
In which I rightfully belong. 

Angel Love 

Ah, no ! 
Do not desert me in this hour of bliss. 
Remain with me and help to build our home. 



War God 

The home is built already. All it needs 
Is perseverance on the part of man, 
To make it most complete. 



Angel Love 

But do not leave me! 

War God 

My Angel Love, the grief I might arouse, 
By taking from the earth the last great cause 
Of misery, you soon must overcome. 
I go where I belong; where I did send 
Those other sinners: down into a hell. 



110 THE MIGHTY WAR GOD 

Go now, and spread your soul among the homes 
That do await thee. All of life is new, 
And must be molded into proper form. 
jWith Love comes everlasting happiness : 
So, haste away, and revel in your work. 
Forget the mighty War God of the past ! 

Exits with Satan. 

Angel Love swoons. 

CURTATNT 



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